Performance of the Week: Taloubet’s Fairytale Finish

Described as a “super-stallion,” Taloubet Z concluded his epic show jumping career with one last big win in Leipzig, Germany.

There are some horse and rider pairings that are inextricably linked forever in our memories: McLain Ward and Sapphire. Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro. Christian Ahlmann and Taloubet Z.

This latter relationship got the fairytale ending it so deserved with an emotional win in the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping 2017/2018 Western European League qualifier in Leipzig, Germany in front of the home crowd. Fifteen horse and rider combinations qualified for the jump-off round, but Ahlmann and Taloubet finished clear and two-tenths of a second ahead, bringing their long and storied career to the perfect close.

Carlos Enrique Lopez of Colombia, who finished second aboard Admara 2, stated it best: “today is all about Taloubet.”

That standing ovation from the crowd says it all: what a fitting send-off for such an accomplished equine athlete.

Thank you for the memories, Taloubet!

Go riding.